Birding directions: Rhine Delta

This page gives a short overview on where to watch birds in one of the best birding sites Austria has to offer: The Rheindelta (Rhine Delta) in the westernmost state of
Vorarlberg, on the shores of Bodensee (Lake Constance). The area is best known for records of extreme vagrants, high numbers of migrating and wintering waterbirds and some endangered breeding
species.

The name Rheindelta - in the broadest birding sense - comprises various wetlands, mudflats, grassland, reeds, alluvial forests and shore protection structures between the border to Switzerland in
the west and the mouth of river Bregenzer Ach, close to the state's capital Bregenz, in the east. The central part of the area is formed by the mouth of river Rhein ("Rheinmündung") and its two
dykes, which are directing the water and rubble of the river far into the lake.

All described spots are connected by bikeways and can be explored easily this way if you stay in Hard, Fußach or at the Rohrspitz campsite. Bike routes (in German) are described in the birding app of Hotel am See in Hard.
Be sure to use these descriptions as guidelines only and explore the area yourself. There are plenty of other places that can attract good birds around the year.

Best time to visit: January-May / September-January.
During the summer months, many places along the lake are crowded with tourists. In winter, these sites are much less attractive in case of ice covering.

(1) Rheinmündung: Linker Rheindamm

The left (western) dyke of river Rhine can be visited on foot or by bike. Park at the base of the dyke here and walk out on or on
the path next to it. Depending on the water level of the lake, there can be sandbanks in the river. Check out the bushes, patches of reed, trees and areas of gravel - surprises have turned up
everywhere.
After about one kilometer, you see Lagune on the left. This lagoon (a major breeding site for Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls and sometimes Mediterranean Gull) is separated from the lake by
another gravel dam and can thus be walked around. The reeds along Lagune host Little Bittern. At the tip of the dyke, try some "seawatching" for skuas, divers and terns - depending on the season.

(2) Rheinmündung: Rechter Damm

Similar to Linker Rheindamm, park here and walk or cycle out
the dyke. At the beginning, to your right, vast areas of reed (Schleienlöcher) attract different species as the dykes themselves. In winter, Aythya ducks and sometimes scoters can be
seen to the right of the dam. Some Eiders usually spend summer and winter in this part.

(3) Fußacher Bucht

The bay to the west of the mouth of river Rhine can be viewed from the left dyke, as well as from a hide on the reed-covered
south shore. The hide can only be accessed by bike or on foot, you can drive up to here. When going there, be
sure to check out the meadows to the south and the area around the pumping station. Depending on
water levels (or ice covering in winter) and season, this can be a feeding site for thousands of ducks.

(4) Harder Binnenbecken and Grüner Damm

Park at the south shore
of Harder Binnenbecken, an artifical bay worth a visit especially in winter, when it can attract large numbers of gulls and other waterfowl. From here you can walk/cycle around the bay up to
Grüner Damm, the dyke
isolating it from the lake, to check for rafts of diving ducks, grebes or divers.

Bregenzer Ach-Mündung in January

(5) Bregenzer Ach-Mündung

The mouth of river Bregenzer Ach includes large sand banks that can be attractive as a roost for gulls, cormorants and odd surprises. Drive up to Landesfischereizentrum and
park along the access road. Continue a few more meters along the road, past the building and turn right on one of the paths, leading to the lookout point.

(6) Fußacher Ried and Höchster Ried

North-west of Fußach, large meadows stretch along the levee. Parts of this area can be seen when visiting other spots (like Glashaus or Fußacher Bucht) but it can be well worth to separately
explore these meadowlands.

All three European species of swans at Rohrspitz

(7) Rohrspitz/Glashaus

Drive to
Glashaus, a restaurant at the lake's shoreline. The view out to the lake can be very rewarding for birdwatchers. A small island usually hosts roosting waterbirds. When the water levels are
low, the island is no longer an island, but large mudflats appear that attract waders. In winter, this is one of the best places to see Whooper and the much rarer Bewick's Swans, as well as other
waterbirds (usually distant). From the restaurant, it's possible to continue to the east along Fußacher Bucht (on foot or by bike). First past the campsite, then on the levee. Eventually you
reach the hide of Fußacher Bucht and the pumping station described in (3).

(8) Wetterwinkel

This is bay of the lake that often attracts huge rafts of (diving) ducks, sometimes exceeding 10.000 individuals. Drive and park here and walk out to the
small port. The alluvial
forest to the west (Rheinholz) can also be accessed on a path and may be worth a look.